Friday, 4 December 2015

The 10 Interesting Facts About Condoms

Condoms are the most used method of contraception around the world. Most people use them every time they have intercourse.

Sure, there’s alternatives, but it’s pretty much the only thing that can protect you from unwanted pregnancies and STDs at the same time.

1. Condoms are ancient.Condoms have been around for ages. The first condoms date back to 11000 BC – we’ll call them dinosaur condoms! There’s one that’s been found in Sweden that dates back to 1640’s that came with instructions on proper use. Lovely, isn’t it? This means that even way back then people cared about safe sex.

2. They used to be made from questionable materials.The first condoms were kind of disgusting. Before the invention of latex all sorts of materials were used. Throughout history condoms have been made of pig intestines, goat bladders, fish skin, linen, silk and even leather. We can only imagine how ‘pleasant’ that felt for both men and women.

The 10 Interesting Facts About Condoms

3. Condoms were reusable.Yes, condoms were reusable in the past. In some parts of the worlds it was advised to wash them in warm milk in order to avoid disease. It was also common to use them multiple times because of the cost of their production.

4. You needed a prescription.The first vending machine with condoms appeared in the US in 1928. Before that, condoms were hard to get. In order to get one you needed a prescription, and those were only given to men who favored the company of prostitutes. So in case you cared about your reputation, or were a woman who was concerned about contraception, you were out of luck.

5. Condoms aren’t just for men.Currently 40% of condoms are bought by women. That number is growing each day as more and more women want to be sure of their contraception. It used to be embarrassing for women to buy condoms as it suggested that they were promiscuous. These days that stigma is almost gone. There’s nothing wrong with being concerned about your health.

6. Latex isn’t the only option.A latex allergy shouldn’t be an excuse to not wear a condom. Even though most of them are made of latex, there are alternatives. There’s natural condoms made by Trojan, and there’s condoms made from polyurethane or polyisoprene. Both Fourex and Trojan brands still make “natural” condoms made from lambs’ intestines – if you can get your arms around that concept, be my guest! Basically there’s an option for everyone.

7. They’re cheap.Condoms are the cheapest form of contraception. They’re usually less than a dollar and in some countries they’re free. All you have to do is go to a health clinic and take as many as you want. Now think about how much it costs to cure STDs or to be a parent. I think those are pretty convincing argument in favor of condoms.

8. Casanova used condoms.It might not be the first thing you think about when talking about Casanova, but this famous womanizer of the 19th century used condoms. A very smart decision, especially when you think about all the diseases that couldn’t be cured at that time. On a humorous note, he used to call them ‘English riding hats’. A hilarious nickname, don’t you think?

9. Condoms are stronger than they look.An average condom can hold about a gallon of liquid. Latex condoms are also incredibly stretchy and come in a variety of sizes. If you ever come across a guy who says even large condoms don’t fit him, feel free to prove him wrong by stretching the condom over your whole arm.

10. They’re incredibly versatile.These days condoms come in so many shapes, sizes and colors that you’re sure to find one to your liking. There’s ribbed ones that are supposed to ensure and enhance the pleasure you receive. There’s a huge range of flavored (yes, Virginia, I said flavored) condoms that claim to satisfy not just your partner’s genitals but also your taste buds. There’s even glow in the dark condoms. So pick your favorites and have fun!

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